Two arrested after tractor theft

A man has been charged following the theft of a tractor from Gilford early this morning (Friday).

Police received a report of the suspicious movement of a tractor and trailer on the Cladymilltown Road, Markethill, during the early hours of today.

Officers attended and a 21-year-old man and 15-year-old boy were arrested and the tractor and trailer recovered.

The man was subsequently charged with criminal damage, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, taking a motor vehicle without authority and driving with no insurance. He will appear before Newry Magistrates’ Court on March 30.

As is normal procedure the charges will be reviewed by the PPS.

The teenager was arrested for allowing himself to be carried. He was released pending report to the PPS.

Chief Inspector Davy Beck said, “The recovered tractor and trailer had been taken from a farm in Gilford. I would like to thank the member of the public who alerted us to the movement of this tractor and enabled us to locate it.”